2 Accused Of Forcing Teen Into Sex Work

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ/AP) – Michigan’s attorney general says he’s charged a Tennessee man and woman for forcing a young woman to work as a stripper.

Bill Schuette said 30-year-old Vinson Alexander and 27-year-old Taryn Johnson of Nashville are charged with human trafficking. Schuette said Alexander also is charged with torturing and assaulting the 18-year-old woman.

Schuette said the charges follow an investigation by police in the Detroit suburb of Southfield and by the FBI.

Schuette said Johnson recruited the woman in December, luring her with promises of good pay. He says Alexander took the young woman’s earnings and threatened violence to control her, seriously injuring her Thursday.

Vinson Alexander, 30.

“Our Constitution’s 13th amendment bans slavery in all its forms, but human traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to exploit victims right here in Michigan,” said Schuette, in a statement. “It’s time to stop the horrifying reality that our own citizens are bound in the chains of modern-day slavery. Our daughters, friends, and neighbors are forced into prostitution, domestic servitude and other forced labor by criminals who take advantage of them.”

A Southfield judge arraigned the suspects Monday and set bonds for them. Both are next due in 46th District Court for a Pre-Exam Conference on Monday and a Preliminary Exam on Friday.

The court couldn’t say if they’ve got lawyers.

For information on how to identify and report human trafficking, visit this link.